Aromatic

A type of organic compound in which the characteristic chemical groups are linked to a particular type of six-member hexagonal carbon ring which contains three double bonds, typified by benzene. Such rings have peculiar stability and chemical character, and are present in the rather reactive and highly versatile compounds derived from petroleum and coal tar. The name refers to the strong and not unpleasant odor characteristic of most substances of this nature. See Also: Organic Heterocyclic Organic Aliphatic